Tottenham are an attractive club for all players – Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino insists Tottenham can attract star names in the January transfer window – not just promising youngsters.

Pochettino’s revamping of the Spurs squad has been driven by a strong faith in youth, with the likes of Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Dele Alli all thriving under the Argentinian.

Alli admitted the opportunities for young players was a key factor in his decision to move to White Hart Lane and the club continued that trend with five players selected in the latest England squad.

Pochettino is proud of Tottenham’s reputation for promoting youth but believes his team’s progress means they can also lure proven quality as well as up and coming talent.

“We only have a few places left. It is impossible to bring 20 or 30 players in,” Pochettino said.

“But today Tottenham is a very attractive club, not only for youngsters but all players.

“The way we respect the players, the way we try to play – for the big players and the young players it is a fantastic club.

“Tottenham today is one of the most attractive clubs in the world for all players, not just young players. We are starting to be attractive.

“Tottenham are a name at home and in Europe and now we need to be clever to improve.”

Dier and Alli started in the centre of England’s midfield against France on Tuesday, with Alli capping a man-of-the-match performance with a superb goal from long range.

Pochettino has helped nurture 10 of the last 18 England debutants and as well as the players, he paid tribute to chairman Daniel Levy for the club’s shift in approach.

“We feel very proud but it is not our or my secret,” Pochettino said.

“Our philosophy is not about one person, it is about the team and the club.

“The player deserve first credit because it is always up to them to take the tools we provide.

“We need to congratulate first the player and then all the staff and also the president.

“He believes in this project and he turned the club in this way one and a half years ago.”

Spurs host West Ham on Sunday, looking to extend an 11-match unbeaten run in the league.

The Hammers will be without star playmaker Dimitri Payet, who is set for three months out with an ankle injury, but Pochettino is expecting a difficult test from Slaven Bilic’s side.

“West Ham are a very good team,” Pochettino said.

“Their results away are fantastic. It is a big derby. I know what it means to play against West Ham. It is another tough derby.

“I think that all players are back from international duty in a very good condition.

“Today (Friday) the energy and mental state were fantastic. On Sunday we need to win because for us it is three very important points.”

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